LEGO NINJAGO's first diorama still impresses one year on from release, and there are plenty of lessons for future efforts to learn from it moving forward.
As part of a stealth line of adult-centric models in 2024, LEGO NINJAGO 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine stood out from the crowd as NINJAGO's first display-focused model in years and not one that's part of the more expensive NINJAGO City line. Instead, 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine offers a standalone and more affordable experience that loosely ties into the animated series without being reliant on it.
It's a promising start to what is hopefully an era of more affordable NINJAGO display sets, building on the diorama and helmet collections across other themes. After nearly 15 years of NINJAGO, it's time for the range to increase its offerings for older fans who have grown up with the ninja and 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine is a perfect example of how to do just that without breaking the bank as much as other LEGO NINJAGO sets.
With one year passing since the release of 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine, we've had the chance to delve deep into this stunning creation to see what makes it work so well and to learn what any future display models might be able to take from it.
5 – Embrace play in a subtle but satisfying way
Unlike most LEGO dioramas and helmets, 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine has two distinct play features that are blended seamlessly into the set. The first is a shifting stone on the left-hand side of the model, which can be used as a dangerous spot to drink tea, meditate or battle the villainous Ras to see who comes out on top.
A switch integrated into the back of this build allows you to make the stone lean one way or the other rapidly. This switch is so effectively blended into the scenery that it would be hard for any unfamiliar enthusiasts to spot it. That's unlike the exposed gears, pins and brightly-coloured elements of other play and display models alike.
71819 Dragon Stone Shrine's even more impressive play feature is located on the second floor. A bookshelf on the wall features one protruding novel, but pressing it in will reveal a hidden book in the spine of the stone dragon. Once again, it's surprising to see just how effectively this feature is hidden, yet it remains easily accessible and it isn't hard for larger hands to interact with it.
While older enthusiasts may prefer display-focused sets, it's important to remember that LEGO sets are inherently toys, and there's no shame in enjoying some well-hidden play features. Even beyond LEGO NINJAGO's hopeful future of display models, all themes could stand to learn a lesson from the secretive but functional features in 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine.
4 – Exclusive minifigures shouldn't carry the set
71819 Dragon Stone Shrine is a stunningly gorgeous build with organic rockwork, natural but whimsical colours and a setting that feels as serene as 10315 Tranquil Garden. Despite this, the set also has a couple of great minifigures to enjoy. While there are six minifigures in 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine, only two are exclusive to the set – Euphrasia and Master Wu.
Master Wu is an all too familiar minifigure for LEGO NINJAGO but has a new outfit in this set. Euphrasia on the other hand is a fan-favourite character and the new elemental master of wind, seen here in a bright blue and white outfit with both a hood and hair to customise the minifigure.
This pair come across as a nice bonus in an already amazing LEGO model, but the other four characters are by no means unique here – proving that exclusive minifigures are welcome in display sets yet don't need to carry and define the experience.
3 – Balance advanced techniques with a welcoming experience
Despite the fact that 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine is not an 18+ model, the depth and complexity of its build is anything but simple and it's a genuinely enjoyable and involved experience putting it together. Even for fans who have been with the theme for nearly 15 years – or enthusiasts who are even more experienced with LEGO – this set offers a challenging but welcoming experience, finely balancing the two sides from start to finish.
The tree, for instance, is one of the most complex parts of the model, but won't dissuade anyone from experiencing this set, instead inviting them to see how it is put together. It's a lesson that future NINJAGO display models and those from other themes could benefit from taking on board.
There's no reason to shy away from more advanced techniques but builds shouldn't be infuriating to put together at the risk of alienating less experienced fans. There should and can be a balance between the two, still resulting in a gorgeous build that will look great around the home.
2 – Black bases aren't a necessity for LEGO NINJAGO
As much as many of us have come to love the uniform black bases of Architecture, the Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series, dioramas and helmets, it's refreshing to see NINJAGO opt for a more organic display base. The curved rockwork foundations work far better for 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine than any rigid, tiled-off base, narratively explaining where the water from the dragon's mouth goes instead of overflowing the pond.
With several fan-designed expansions to integrate the model into NINJAGO City and an official expansion base sent out to content creators, it's clear that even the LEGO Group knows just how well this natural base works. It might remind you of beach-focused fan creations that see waves splashing off the edges of the build, or sand flowing over the sides of a black base.
71819 Dragon Stone Shrine has once again proven that display models can and should innovate even when it comes to their foundations, and that doing so can further the narrative of the build.
1 – Sturdy sets are ideal for moving around the home
Most importantly, 71819 Dragon Stone Shrine is sturdy and aside from the leaves in the tree, there's no fear of any part of the model falling apart when you transport it. It's easy to pick up with one hand, though we'd recommend carrying it by its base once it's lifted just in case. A combination of studs on their side and an interlocked structure make for a strong foundation and set that you can safely carry around your home to find that perfect display spot.
After experiences with 76251 Star-Lord's Helmet and 75308 R2-D2, a safely solid display model is all too welcome – especially for those in the process of moving house and still figuring out where your beloved LEGO sets are going to be displayed. Many LEGO NINJAGO fans have grown up, and practicality can be worth just as much as display value, play value and exclusive minifigures.
71819 Dragon Stone Shrine is available now for £104.99 / $119.99 / €119.99 with 1,212 pieces and six minifigures. With the 15th anniversary of NINJAGO approaching next year, it's never too early to start celebrating and with any luck, this build is a sign of things to come.
This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.
You can support the work that Brick Fanatics does by purchasing your LEGO using our affiliate links – thanks.
Comments
Be the first to comment!